Chapter 142
AN: Thank you for the support. I really hope you like this chapter.
Three days have passed since Emily had to go in for a meeting with the director. It is a Wednesday afternoon and both Penelope and Emily are a little tense. As they understand what is going on Kenzie and Maddie are sitting at the kitchen bench doing their homework while they watch Penelope and Emily hurry around.
"Should we worry?" Maddie asks her sister in a quiet voice.
"I'm not sure," Kenzie admits, feeling uncertain, and as she does Connor walks over to his sisters.
"Something bad happening?" Connor asks his oldest sister.
"No, I don't think so," Kenzie says, picking up Connor, as Penelope, who is carrying Noah, and Emily, who is carrying Casey, walk over.
"Is everything okay?" Maddie asks, worried, voicing what all of her siblings are thinking.
"Yeah, everything's fine," Emily tells them. "Do you remember Ms Tracy?" Emily asks, looking between the kids.
"The social worker?" Kenzie asks.
"Yes, that's her," Penelope confirms. "She'll be here soon. She's going to talk to each of you, and have a look around," Penelope explains, causing Maddie and Kenzie to exchange looks. "It's just a routine part of being a foster parent," Penelope explains.
"Could we be taken away?" Maddie asks, in a quiet voice, the fear she is feeling perfectly clear.
"Only if Tracy thinks you are in danger, which isn't the case," Emily explains, as she doesn't want to lie. "You have nothing to worry about, okay?" Emily asks, and both Kenzie and Maddie nod in response, as there is a knock on the door.
"That would be Tracy," Penelope says, and she and Emily head to the door.
Once at the door Penelope and Emily let Tracey into the house.
"Hi, come in," Emily says, letting her into the house.
"Thank you," Tracy says, walking into the house. "Hi Casey, Noah," Tracy says to the two children, as Penelope and Emily lead her back to the main living area.
"Kenz, Mads, Connor, you remember Ms Tracy," Penelope says.
"Yes, Hello," Kenzie says.
"I would like to talk to each of the kids alone first," Tracy explains.
"Of course," Emily says. "Kenz, do you want to take Ms Tracy up to your room?" Emily asks.
"Sure," Kenzie says. "I'll show you the way Ms Tracy," Kenzie says, and she leads Tracy upstairs.
About a minute later Tracy and Kenzie get up to Kenzie's room, and leaving the door open, Kenzie sits down on her bed while Tracy sits down on the couch.
"So, this is just a friendly chat, okay, nothing for you to worry about," Tracy assures Kenzie. "So, you've been here for a month; how do you feel? What do you think of Penelope and Emily?" Tracy asks.
"They're amazing," Kenzie says. "I love it here," Kenzie admits, even though it is hard for her to do so, because she doesn't want to risk the possibility of being forced to leave.
A while later Tracy has talked to all of the kids and is in the main living area with Penelope and Emily, the ladder of whom is holding Casey.
"I've talked to Kenzie, Maddie, Noah and Connor, and all four of them seem to be adjusting well. They very much like the home you have made for them, and how they have been treated here," Tracy explains. "I am very impressed with you both," Tracy explains.
"Thank you," Penelope and Emily respond, feeling glad.
"Now, I would like to go over a couple of things with you; nothing major, just some things you might want to be aware of," Tracy explains, and she proceeds to tell Penelope and Emily some things that are coming up for Virginia Foster Parents and Children.
Three days have passed Tracy came to do a home check that thankfully went well. It's the early hours of the morning and both Penelope and Emily have been woken up, but neither are sure why as Casey is not crying.
"Penelope, Emily," A quiet voice says, causing Emily to look down and realize that Noah is standing by their bed.
"Hey Bud," Emily says, picking up Noah as Penelope turns the light on, both wondering what is going on.
"What's wrong Sweetheart?" Penelope asks, as Emily settles Noah in between the two them.
"I had a nightmare," Noah says, sounding afraid.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Emily says, putting an arm around him. "Do you want to talk about it?" Emily asks.
"No," Noah responds. "Can I sleep here?" Noah asks.
"Of course, Sweetheart," Penelope says. "Lay down Bud, Em and I are right here," Penelope says, and Noah moves a little so that he is lying between Penelope and Emily.
"Close your eyes, Sweetheart, you're okay," Emily assures him.
"I love you," Noah says, in a quiet voice, just loud enough for Penelope and Emily to hear.
"Oh Bud, we love you too," Emily says, feeling overwhelming joy at the fact that one of their kids told her them that they love them for the first time, kissing the top of his head.
"So much, Noah, we love you so much," Penelope assures him, like Emily she feels overwhelming joy at the fact that one of their kids have told them they love them. "Sweet dreams, Sweetheart," Penelope says, and Noah closes his eyes. Before long Noah is fast asleep between Penelope and Emily.
Three days have passed since Noah crawled into bed with Penelope and Emily and as it is their last week home with the kids before going back to work, they are trying to enjoy every moment. It's Monday afternoon and Penelope is checking on Kenzie who is in the study behind the kitchen doing her homework.
"You okay in here?" Penelope asks Kenzie.
"Yeah," Kenzie responds, but there is something off in her voice.
"You sure, Kenz?" Penelope asks concerned.
"No," Kenzie admits, and so Penelope walks over to her.
"What's up?" Penelope asks curious.
"I don't understand this," Kenzie admits, referring to the homework she is doing. "Could you help me?" Kenzie asks, asking for help for the first time.
"Of course," Penelope says, puling a chair over and sitting down next to her. "What are we doing here?" Penelope asks, and Kenzie explains what her homework is, and Penelope helps her.
While Penelope and Kenzie are in the study Maddie, Noah, Connor and Emily are in the main living area. As Emily is sitting with the boys who are on her tablet Emily realizes that Kenzie has stopped drawing, and is just starting out to space, and so she hands the tablet to Noah and walks over to Maddie, and squats down next to her.
"Are you okay?" Emily asks concerned, and Maddie looks hesitant. "Maddie, you know you can always talk to me," Emily tells her.
"Today in my English lesson, I answered all the questions, I found the reading really interesting, so I did it, and researched it last weekend," Maddie explains. "After I answered a few questions I saw some of the other kids laughing, making fun of me, and it made me not want to answer questions," Maddie admits. "I just want them to like me," Maddie admits, looking upset.
"Oh Sweetie," Emily says, putting her arm around her. "I want you to listen to me; when I was growing up, I moved around a lot. I went to a lot of different schools and all I wanted was to fit in, was for people to like me," Emily explains. "But you know what I learnt?" Emily asks.
"No," Maddie says shaking her head.
"That people liking you is never worth making yourself less than what you are," Emily tells her. "Mads, if you love something, be passionate about it, be smart; never diminish yourself to make other people happy; okay," Emily says. "Making yourself seem less than what you are is never worth it," Emily explains to Maddison, hoping she believes her as she knows what the world can do to girls and she does not want that to happen to her girls. "Do you understand?" Emily asks.
"Yeah," Maddie confirms.
"Good," Emily says, kissing the top of her head. "How about you explained to me what you found so interesting," Emily suggests.
"Really?" Maddie asks, looking excited.
"Really," Emily responds, and Maddie starts to excitedly explain.
Two days later, as they only have a few days left before returning to work, Penelope and Emily have keep the three youngest children home from childcare. While Casey is napping Penelope is in the kitchen with Noah while Emily is in the living area with Connor.
"Do you want to lick the beater?" Penelope asks.
"Yes!" Noah says excitedly and so Penelope gives it to him, and he starts to lick.
"Is it good?" Penelope asks Noah, who nods. "Good," Penelope says, sounding glad as she ruffles Connor's hair.
While Penelope and Noah are in the kitchen Emily and Connor are in the living area sitting near the coffee table which has a puzzle on it.
"This is really coming along," Emily says, sounding glad. "Now, where do you think this piece goes?" Emily asks, showing Connor the specific piece that she is holding, and Connor looks between the piece and the puzzle on the table. As he looks like he is thinking deeply Emily doesn't offer a suggestion as she wants to see if her can figure it out on his own.
"There," Connor says, pointing to a position.
"Let's see," Emily say, putting the piece where Connor said, and it is clearly the right place. "That's exactly right, well done, Bud," Emily says, kissing the top of his head.
"Next piece?" Connor asks.
"hum…." Emily says, looking at the pieces they have left. "How about this one," Emily suggests, picking up a piece and together she and Connor continue to do the puzzle.
Three days later, as the kids have had their weekly therapy appointment Penelope has taken Kenzie and Noah to the park while Emily is at home with Maddie, Connor and Casey.
At the park Penelope is chasing Kenzie and Noah around the playground even though she doesn't really like exercise.
"I got you," Penelope says, catching Noah, and hugging him, causing him to laugh.
"Pen, can you help me on the monkey bars again?" Kenzie asks.
"Of course," Penelope tells her.
"Me too," Noah says, looking up at Penelope.
"Of course," Penelope says, and she takes Kenzie and Noah over to the money bars. "Do you remember what I said, about how to swing?" Penelope asks Kenzie.
"Yeah," Kenzie says. "I want to try alone, but can you stay close?" Kenzie asks, sounding nervous.
"Of course," Penelope assures her, as she puts Noah down on the platform.
"Okay," Kenzie says, sound a little nervous, and then she starts to swing, Penelope being careful to walk alongside her. As Kenzie gets to about halfway across she slips, and because Penelope is so close, and was watching carefully, Penelope is able to catch her, and slowly lower her to the ground.
"You okay?" Penelope asks concerned.
"Yeah," Kenzie says. "You caught me," Kenzie says, sounding amazed.
"Of course," Penelope says. "Kenz, Em and I love you and your siblings, we're always going to be here to catch you, to look after you, to keep you safe," Penelope assures her.
"Me too?" Noah, who hurried over when he saw his sister fall, asks.
"Of course," Penelope says, and she hugs both Kenzie and Noah, kissing both of their heads.
At the house Emily, Maddie, Casey, and Connor are out on the back deck where they are using ceramic paints to paint ceramics plates. To Emily's amusing Casey is putting handprint on the plate she is painting.
"That's really good, Case," Emily says to the little girl who she is holding. "What are you painting Connor?" Emily asks, as he seems to be trying really hard to do something, but it doesn't make much sense to her.
"Sergio," Connor answers, and Emily grins.
"That's a really good idea Buddy," Emily says, sounding amused. "Mads, can I see what you're painting yet?" Emily asks curious, as while she, Connor and Casey have painted multiple plates Maddie has been painting the same one the entire time.
"Not quite yet," Maddie reveals, as she is not quiet finished the design she is working on.
"Okay, whenever you're ready to show me, Sweetie," Emily assures her.
For a little while Emily and the kids continue to work on the plates, it being more than clear that Maddie doesn't want her to see her design until she is finished.
"Emily," Maddie suddenly says.
"Yeah Sweetheart?" Emily asks.
"I've finished my plate; can I show you?" Maddie asks, sounding nervous.
"Of course," Emily says, and Maddie walks over to Emily and once she is close enough she carefully passes Emily the plate. Wanting to be careful to make sure she doesn't Emily gently takes the plate from her and is amazed by what she sees.
"It's us," Maddie says. "You, Penelope, me, Kenz, Noah, Connor and Casey," Maddie explains.
"I love it," Emily says, hugging her. "It's incredible," Emily assures her, kissing her head. "I love you," Emily tells her.
"I love you too," Maddie responds, her voice barely above a whisper, and Emily hugs her tightly.
Hours later Penelope, Emily and the kids are all cuddled up on the couch in the main living area for their weekly movie night. Looking between the kids and her wife Penelope feels overwhelming joy and so she leans over and kisses Emily.
"Gross!" Noah exclaims, causing both Penelope to laugh.
"Oh, you think so, do you?" Emily says, tickling him, causing Noah and the other kids to laugh as Penelope starts ticking them too, as the family continue to have an incredible night together.
Two days later the day for Penelope and Emily to return to work has finally come. While both Penelope and Emily both absolutely love their jobs, it is going to be strange for them to be away from all their kids during the day after six weeks of being together.
It's early in the morning and everyone is in the main living room, had already eaten the breakfast that Penelope made.
"Okay, everyone ready?" Penelope asks, looking between the older children as she ties Connor's shoes, and Emily fills up their travel mugs while holding Casey.
"Yep," Noah, as Maddie and Kenzie nod.
"Got your lunches?" Penelope asks, looking over to where she left them to make sure.
"Yep!" Maddie confirms.
"Bags? Homework?" Emily asks, walking over.
"Yep, we're ready," Kenzie says.
"Okay," Penelope says, standing up. "Let's go," Penelope says, and they head out to the garage.
A little while later Penelope and Emily have taken the girls into their classrooms and are walking into the childcare/early learning center.
"Hi Noah, Hi Connor," one of the worker says, walking up to them. "And Hi Casey, you're joining us today aren't you?" The worker says, to the little girl who is in Emily's arms.
"Yeah, she is," Emily confirms, as Penelope hugs both the boys.
"We love you, have a good day. We'll see you tonight," Penelope says, hugging both the boys and kissing their heads. Once Penelope says goodbye to the boys she stands up and Emily gently passes over Casey so that she can say goodbye to the boys.
"Be good, have a good day. We love you," Emily says, and like Penelope she hugs and kisses the heads of both the boys. "We'll see you soon," Emily says to her boys, knowing that she cannot say that she'll see them tonight as she might get called away on a case.
After saying goodbye to the boys Emily stands up.
"Bye Penelope, Emily," Noah says before hurrying into the classroom as Connor waves goodbye as he follows his brother.
"We'll see you later, Sweetheart," Emily says, bending down and kissing Casey's head. "We love you," Emily says.
"We love you," Penelope says, before she also kisses Casey's head, and once she does Penelope, quiet reluctantly, hands Casey over to the worker, and they both, looking back at Casey as they go, head out of the facility.
A while after they left their kids Penelope and Emily are in the elevator up to the BAU floor.
"I didn't expect it to be this hard," Penelope admits.
"I know, me either," Emily admits, taking her wife's hair. "But Pen, we know they're safe. We've made sure of that," Emily admits. "And we'll see them soon," Emily admits, as the elevator doors open, and they head towards the bullpen.
"I know, it doesn't make it any easier," Penelope admits.
"I know, Babe," Emily says, kissing Penelope's cheek as the two of them walk through the double doors.
"WELCOME BACK!" Excited voices say, causing both Penelope to look towards the kitchen where they see Rossi, Matt, JJ, Reid, Tara, and Luke.
"Thank you," Emily says, as Rossi hugs his daughter.
"How does it feel to be back?" JJ asks, as she remembers how she felt.
"Ask again in a few hours," Emily requests.
"We have something for each of you," Matt says, as he hands one wrapped object to Penelope and the other to Emily.
"You guys didn't have to get us anything," Emily assures them.
"We wanted to," Reid says.
"Open it," Tara encourages and both Penelope and Emily do that.
Opening the gifts Penelope and Emily find identical pictures, although Penelope's is a rainbow frame with glitter while Emily's is in a simple, elegant black frame. Inside the two frames is the same picture of Penelope, Emily, and the kids taken at Jake's birthday. The picture was clearly a candid and shows them all close together, hugging and laughing.
"We thought it would help, make you feel like they're close," Luke explains.
"Thank you," Emily says gratefully, as she and Penelope hug all the members of their team, and a little while later the pictures are both sitting on Penelope and Emily's respective desks.
Hours later the BAU haven't gotten a case and so the team spent the day doing other types of work. As she has finished everything, she needed to do Penelope is walking into her wife's office.
"Hey, so I'm done, how about you?" Penelope asks.
"I've still got a few hours of things to catch up on," Emily admits.
"Oh, okay, um…" Penelope says, trying to think of an idea of what to do, as she knows they have foster requirements they have to follow.
"How about you go, get the kids, and I'll see you at home," Emily suggests.
"We only brought one car today," Penelope reminds her.
"I'll get home another way, it will be fine," Emily assures her.
"No, it won't," a voice says and both Penelope and Emily turn to see Rossi at the door.
"What are you talking about?" Penelope asks her father.
"You should both go. I am willing to do the extra paperwork," Rossi explains.
"Dave, I can't ask you to do that," Emily tells him.
'You're not asking, I'm offering," Rossi says. "You and the kids are still transitioning; I don't mind doing extra paperwork if I can help," Rossi says, and once he does both Penelope and Emily exchange looks. "It's okay, go," Rossi says, looking between his daughter and daughter in law.
"Okay," Emily says as she really does want to get home to her kids. "Thanks Dave," Emily says, standing up to collect the files, and her stuff.
"Thanks Dad," Penelope says.
"No need, Kiddo, no need," Rossi assures Penelope and once he does Penelope hugs her father.
After Penelope breaks apart from her father Emily hands him the files she was working on, and both she and Penelope head out of Emily's office, both looking forward to seeing their children.